CSI Creator and Executive Producer Talks to GBTA First Timers

On Sunday, nearly 500 first-time attendees made it to the First-Time Attendee Orientation and Luncheon to meet others in the same position as themselves looking to navigate their first GBTA Convention.

After GBTA executives and Board members recounted their first Convention experiences and gave their advice for making the most out of Convention, attendees were treated to featured speaker Anthony Zuiker. Along with being an inspiring and entertaining speaker, Anthony is also the creator and executive producer for the extremely successful “CSI” franchise.

Anthony said that every day he goes to work he remembers to dare to dream and embraces the idea that you really can change the world with a brilliant idea. He talked about the importance of relationships, collaboration, being good to people and surrounding yourself with good people. The most important element for success is to truly love what you do, he said.

Many of the first-timers on-site were eagerly making connections and looking forward to the week to come. A few shared their thoughts on what they hoped to get out of Convention:

Arnaud Lessard of the Holiday Inn Express Cambridge said he was looking forward to the relationship building and the opportunity to spread the word about the brand alongside many of his Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG) colleagues.

Marisa Maughan of The Declan Suites San Diego is excited for the chance to showcase her hotel through photos and descriptions for so many people who would not otherwise have the chance to do a face-to-face onsite at the hotel in San Diego.

Shaylah Phelps of Destination Hotels & Resorts said she was really excited to network, meet new people and just to learn.

First-timers left the session invigorated and ready to take on their first GBTA Convention!